FBI Director Kash Patel is considering partnering with the UFC to train agents in mixed martial arts, with serious discussions already underway between Patel and UFC President Dana White.
Guess what? FBI agents might be picking up some mixed martial arts skills soon.
In a recent call with the heads of all 55 field offices nationwide, new FBI director Kash Patel tossed around the idea of collaborating with the UFC. The aim? To train agents in both physical fitness and martial arts. Reactions were mixed, but Patel attended UFC 313 on Saturday and chatted with Dana White about making it happen.
“After he said that, my phone blew up,” White shared at the UFC 313 post-fight presser. “Everyone wants to be the trainers for the FBI now.”
“But he’s dead serious about that,” White continued. “Talked to him about it tonight. He’s dead serious, so we’ll see how that starts to come together.”
Patel lives in Las Vegas and has grown fond of the UFC recently. His bond with White strengthened during President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign in 2024.
Trump, a longtime UFC supporter, even attended an event in NYC last November, right after his re-election win. White’s been backing Trump for years too, speaking at Republican National Conventions and supporting him on the campaign trail in 2024.
White even spoke on election night after Trump clinched his second term.
The idea of the FBI teaming up with the UFC isn’t too surprising. Many MMA coaches already work with law enforcement agencies.
Coaches like Greg Jackson have been running martial arts courses for police departments for ages. Plus, many fighters transition into law enforcement after their fighting days are over.
Looks like FBI agents might soon dive into MMA training. With White confirming Patel’s seriousness, a program could be on the horizon.